How to Schedule and Conduct a District Meeting

 

You can increase support for the Lymphedema Treatment Act by meeting with your members of Congress at a nearby district office! 

In-person meetings are the single most effective way to persuade your members of Congress to cosponsor the bill then help get it passed into law.

 

STEP #1: Submit a Meeting Request

  • Go to the member of Congress’ website – for Senators, for Representatives.
  • Look for a Meeting Request form and follow the instructions.
  • If no Meeting Request form is offered, look for the district office locations and call the one where you wish to set up the meeting. 
  • Scheduling a meeting is not difficult, but it can take time for them to work you into their schedule.
  • NOTE: members of our board would be happy to assist you by placing the initial meeting request. If you would like this help please contact us at info@LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org. Put “District Meeting” in the subject line and include your full home address, as this will be required by the congressional office to verify you are a constituent. 

 

STEP #2: Preparing for Your Meeting

  • Read our Congressional Information Packet – it contains the information offices want and need to know, and will prepare you for how to answer questions you may be asked.
  • Review our Advocacy Handbook – get advice about how to conduct your meeting, including talking points and FAQ’s.
  • Join your State Team – you’ll be connected with lymphedema advocates in your state, can learn from their experience, and if you would like, ask if others would like to attend the meeting with you.

 

STEP #3: What to Bring to Your Meeting

  • The Congressional Information Packet.
  • A facts sheet with current bill information that we will send you if you Contact Us.
  • A one-page personal letter explaining why the Lymphedema Treatment Act is important to you, and stating that you are asking for your Representative/Senator to cosponsor this bill.
  • Any photos you wish to share, such as before and after treatment, complications, etc.
  • Your compression supplies – wear what is appropriate, and bring nighttime and other supplies to show.

 

STEP #4: Executing Your Meeting

  • Relax and be yourself – they don’t expect you to be an expert. Follow the tips in our Advocacy Handbook and let the Congressional Information Packet guide you through the meeting.
  • If you are asked a question you don’t know how to answer don’t guess or make up an answer. Just tell them you’ll get back to them and then Contact Us if you need assistance.
  • Point out the number of cosponsors our bill has in the House and Senate and name any from your state. House cosponsors can no longer be added, but if you are meeting with a Senator who is not yet supporting the bill ask him or her to cosponsor too.
  • Urge your Representative/Senator to vote in favor of the Lymphedema Treatment Act when it comes before them for a vote on the House or Senate floor.  

 

STEP #5: Following Up After Your Meeting

  • Let us know about your meeting, how it went, and if you need any additional information. 
  • Send a follow up thank you email to the staff contact person within a few days of the meeting. 
  • If your meeting was with a non-cosponsoring Senate office, continue to send brief polite emails, or call, about every two weeks, reminding the staff that you are eager to know if your Senator will be cosponsoring the Lymphedema Treatment Act.
  • Be ready to follow up with any office you meet with when the bill is scheduled for a vote, even if they are already cosponsors, as this will be a critical time for them to hear from you!